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CONFIDENTIAL ##
8.17
(a):
34
general unawareness of legislative provisions : although the comprehensive Labour Irotection Law came into
operation six years ago (1972), many workers are still unaware of their
rights. Trade unionism develops
slowly, and less than 2% of the labour
force is unionised.
In 1976 about 400 prosecutions were
instituted, but the fines imposed were low, averaging 1,000 Baht (about HK$250).
Hong Kong
8.18
Laws prescribing minimum labour standards are mainly in respect of the employment of women and young persons in industry. Provisions concerning rest days, annual leave, maternity leave, sickness allowance, security of employment, protection of wages and other conditions of employment are contained in the Employment Ordinance which applies generally to all manual workers irrespective of monthly earnings and to non-manual employees earning not more than $2,000 a month. Inspections are restricted to the employment of women and young persons in industrial undertakings. Within this scope of application Hong Kong leads her neighbouring countries in enforcement. In 1976 there were 141 labour inspectors who made 122,144 routine and surprise inspection visits (of which 25,959 were night visits). 3,715 employers were prosecuted, and the fines imposed totalled over $1.5 million. The offences included the illegal employment of women and young persons outside the normal period of employment, during prohibited hours, on overtime without reporting,
/for..
CONFIDENTIAL
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